FOREST MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

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FOREST MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
It is a certainty that demands on the worlds
forest lands will become greater while the area
available for forest production will decrease
The question facing us is not whether to use
the forest resource but how to use it wisely for
the greatest benefit to man in the long
term. -Bruce Zobel, 1978
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FIVE ERRONEOUS BELIEFS ABOUT FORESTS FOREST
MANAGEMENT
1. Ecosystems are inherently stable if people
would simply leave them alone. 2. Diversity and
stability are closely linked. 3. Evolution has
finely tuned ecosystems, with genotypes perfectly
matched to their site of origin. Therefore, all
genetic diversity is important and should be
preserved. 4. Any manipulation of the forest
results in a severe loss of diversity. 5.
Natural is always best.
- L. Fins, 1993, Forest Geneticist
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SILVICULTURE
The art and science of reproducing and growing
trees and forests in a sustainable manner based
on principles of forest ecology for the benefit
of society.
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SILVICULTURAL SYSTEMS
A silvicultural system is a series of forestry
practices using natural strategies designed to
regenerate specific forest types according to
landowner objectives.
Even-aged vs. Uneven-aged Clearcutting Shelterwood
Selection Intermediate Treatments Artificial
Regeneration
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NATURAL REGENERATION
Most of our forests in the U.P. are regenerated
using natural strategies in silvicultural
systems. Planting is not necessary.
Adapted from Baughman, et al., 1993. Woodland
Stewardship. P. 30.
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CLEARCUTTING
An even-aged system where all or nearly all of
the trees are harvested at one time.
Forest Types Pines, Spruces, Aspen, Oaks
Adapted from Baughman, et al., 1993. Woodland
Stewardship. P. 34-35.
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SHELTERWOOD
An even-aged system where one or two cuts are
used prior to the final harvest. The first two
cuts stimulate and establish advanced
regeneration before the final harvest cut.

• Final Crop Should Be
• Windfirm
• Non-Epicormic
• Good Seeders
• Undamaged by Logging

Forest Types Northern Hardwoods, Spruce-Fir,
White Pine, Oak, Paper Birch
Adapted from Baughman, et al., 1993. Woodland
Stewardship. P. 36.
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SELECTION
An uneven-aged system where trees of all sizes
are harvested on a cycle of about 10-15 years.
A selection harvest IS NOT a diameter-limit cut!
Forest Types Northern Hardwoods, Spruce-Fir,
Black Ash on Good Sites
Adapted from Baughman, et al., 1993. Woodland
Stewardship. P. 37.
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HARVEST SYSTEM CONTRAST
Factors Shade Tolerance Succession Stage Harvest
Cost Revenue Flow Game Habitat Visual
Quality Disturbance
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INTERMEDIATE TREATMENTS
Nearly any forestry practice not connected with
regeneration or harvest can be considered an
intermediate treatment.
Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) Weeding,
Cleaning, Release Salvage Sanitation
Cutting Protection Pruning
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TIMBER STAND IMPROVEMENT
TSI thinnings are intended to improve the quality
of a timber stand. They can be commercial or
non-commercial.
Adapted from Baughman, et al., 1993 .Woodland
Stewardship. P. 41.
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ARTIFICIAL REGENERATION
We usually think only of the physical act of
planting trees, but there is much more to
consider in order to achieve success.
Planting Methods Competition Control Direct
Seeding Underplanting
Species Selection Site Selection Site Preparation
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TREE PLANTING
Bare-root stock must be handled carefully.
Open root exposure can kill a seedling in under
five minutes.
Planting
Heeling
Adapted from Baughman, et al., 1993. Woodland
Stewardship. P. 32-33.
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CROP TREE RELEASE
The idea is to allow the better quality trees
more crown room, which translates to faster DBH
growth and value.
Adapted from Baughman, et al., 1993. Woodland
Stewardship. P. 42.